Representation by Weightmans LLP (Weightmans LLP)
- Date submitted
- 8 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Representation for Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) PLC ('Northern Powergrid') in respect of West Burton Solar Project Limited (West Burton Solar Project) Development Consent Order. The following representations are submitted on behalf of Northern Powergrid (Yorkshire) PLC (‘Northern Powergrid’) who are an electricity undertaker for the area within which the West Burton Solar Project is located: Northern Powergrid is in principle supportive of the above project but has concerns regarding the impacts that the proposed scheme will have on existing assets and their pending improvement works. Areas shown within the proposed development boundary have a direct impact on Northern Powergrid’s existing critical national infrastructure which serve significant numbers of customers in the local and wider area, and the rights for these assets are essential in maintaining an uninterrupted power supply to the customers they serve. In particular, the proposed development seeks to interfere with Northern Powergrid’s existing apparatus, access to such apparatus and servicing rights which are vital for Northern Powergrid’s existing operations. The accompanying compulsory purchase order for the development seeks to acquire land and interests which, if acquired, would adversely affect Northern Powergrid’s ability to use, upgrade and access its apparatus. It is not necessary to acquire these interests where an agreement between the parties would be more appropriate. In addition to the technical impacts of the proposed development, Northern Powergrid has concerns over the proposed protective provisions contained within the draft order as they do not take into account site specific issues and do not accord with Northern Powergrid’s standard protective provision requirements. Northern Powergrid has discussed its concerns with West Burton Solar Project Limited and the parties are working closely to reduce the project’s impacts on Northern Powergrid’s apparatus. Northern Powergrid is keen to keep an open dialogue with West Burton Solar Project Limited and to engage with the applicant’s legal representative to agree appropriate amendments to the protective provisions within the DCO.